WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization, praised President Obama for the selections of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Ms. Nancy-Ann DeParle as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services and Director of the White House Office for Health Reform, respectively.
First Focus President Bruce Lesley released the following statement:
“President Obama should be applauded for the selections of Governor Sebelius and Ms. DeParle to these key posts during this critical moment of action on national health reform. Indeed, these two individuals possess the intellect and leadership skills necessary to further efforts to provide every American children with quality, affordable health insurance.
“In her many years of public service to the state of Kansas, Governor Sebelius has shown her commitment to health care for children and low income families. A tireless advocate for children’s health, the Governor spearheaded efforts to expand health coverage for children, and added thousands of low-income kids to state health programs.
“As Tennessee Health Commissioner and manager of the federal Medicaid program under President Clinton, Ms. DeParle will also provide expert knowledge of children’s unique health care needs to the reform debate. We are confident that, as a leader of President Obama’s health reform effort, Ms. DeParle will remember the importance of addressing the developmental needs of children. This is essential in any comprehensive reform effort, as children’s needs are complex.
“These two individuals will serve as President Obama’s chief health advisors, overseeing and advising the President on many of the most important issues affecting the health and well-being of America’s children, including oversight over the CHIP program, Medicaid, and the Indian Health Service. Further, they will lead programs such as Head Start and the nation’s foster care and child welfare systems, in addition to many others within the Administration of Children and Families. Indeed, the notion that children’s health care needs differ greatly from those of adults is understood by both of these impressive women.
“Without question, the Obama Administration has significant work ahead of it to improve the health and well-being of America’s children, including overturning a number of rules and regulations that adversely impact children’s ability to be enrolled in key programs such as CHIP and Medicaid. Now more than ever, ensuring there is a strong safety net for children is critical, as more and more Americans find themselves losing their jobs and their health coverage.
“We look forward to working with Governor Sebelius and Ms. DeParle on addressing the unique needs of children in health care reform, as well as on reauthorizing and instituting key children’s health programs and initiatives.”